The Eigenfunction of a 2-electron system

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on demonstrating that the two-electron wave function $$\psi(r_1,r_2)=\psi(r_1)\psi(r_2)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{\pi}}\left( \frac{Z}{a_0}\right)^{3/2}e^{-\frac{Z}{a_0}r_1}\frac{1}{\sqrt{\pi}}\left( \frac{Z}{a_0}\right)^{3/2}e^{-\frac{Z}{a_0}r_2}$$ is an eigenfunction of the Hamiltonian for a non-interacting system. The key issue raised is the calculation of energy, specifically ensuring that the Hamiltonian is correctly applied to the two-electron wave function. The participant identified that the term ##-\hbar^2 / 2m## does not factor out correctly, leading to confusion in deriving the expected energy value. A simple suggestion from another user ultimately resolved the participant's issue.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically eigenfunctions and Hamiltonians.
  • Familiarity with wave functions in multi-electron systems.
  • Knowledge of the Born radius and its significance in quantum systems.
  • Proficiency in mathematical operations involving partial derivatives and Laplacians.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Hamiltonian for multi-electron systems in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the implications of the Born radius in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the concept of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions in the context of quantum systems.
  • Investigate common pitfalls in calculating energy for two-electron systems.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those focusing on multi-electron systems and eigenfunction analysis. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Hamiltonians and wave functions in quantum theory.

Settho
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Homework Statement
Show that the wave function is an eigenfunction of the hamiltonian.
Relevant Equations
Hamiltonian, wave function, energy and Born radius
Hello!

I am stuck at the following question:
Show that the wave function is an eigenfunction of the Hamiltonian if the two electrons do not interact, where the Hamiltonian is given as;
Schermafbeelding 2019-04-28 om 20.33.57.png


the wave function and given as;
Schermafbeelding 2019-04-28 om 20.34.45.png


and the energy and Born radius are given as:
Schermafbeelding 2019-04-28 om 20.51.31.png


and I used this for ∇ squared:
Schermafbeelding 2019-04-28 om 20.50.07.png


I am stuck at the end of the calculation. I know Z = 2, but somehow I don't end up with the energy, which you need to show that it is indeed an eigenfunction. This is what I get and where I am stuck at:
Schermafbeelding 2019-04-28 om 20.46.42.png


and even when I substitute a0 in this formula, I don't get the energy value. I honestly don't know where it did go wrong.
If someone is able to help, that would be great.
 
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You need to substitute the two-electron wavefunction$$\psi(r_1,r_2)=\psi(r_1)\psi(r_2)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{\pi}}\left( \frac{Z}{a_0}\right)^{3/2}e^{-\frac{Z}{a_0}r_1}\frac{1}{\sqrt{\pi}}\left( \frac{Z}{a_0}\right)^{3/2}e^{-\frac{Z}{a_0}r_2}$$in your Hamiltonian. The energy is a constant and should have no ##r## dependence.
 
Last edited:
But isn't it just the idea to split the Hamiltonian in electron 1 and electron 2 instead of the two-electron wave function?
 
Settho said:
I am stuck at the end of the calculation. I know Z = 2, but somehow I don't end up with the energy, which you need to show that it is indeed an eigenfunction. This is what I get and where I am stuck at:
View attachment 242595
The ##-\hbar^2 / 2m## term doesn't factor out of all terms.
 
DrClaude said:
The ##-\hbar^2 / 2m## term doesn't factor out of all terms.

Your simple suggestion made me solve the problem. Thank you so much!
 

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